VSU table tennis proves to be a fierce competitor

The VSU Table Tennis Club is becoming a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the often-overlooked sport of table tennis or “pingpong,” as it is often called.

Recently, the club won in a tournament that was held in Lakeland, Fla.

Kyle Smith, vice president of VSU’s team, received first in his division, and Zachary Johnston, team president, placed second in his division. The club competed against table tennis teams from the University of Florida, University of Central Florida and the University of Northern Florida.

Practices are held on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 3-6 p.m. Each practice is held in the aerobics room at the Student Rec Center.

The Table Tennis Club was founded in 2009 by Joseph Brown and Drew Ogden, two VSU alumni.

The club is open to all students. Requirements for membership include a physical examination and at least a 2.0 GPA. Paddles are available, but new club members are encouraged to bring their own paddle if possible.

Along with working hard to emerge victorious in tournaments, the Table Tennis Club also works hard to promote the purpose of the club – to teach students how to play and compete in the fast-paced game of table tennis.

“There is a lot more to the sport than what people think,” Smith said. “Once you get to a competitive level, you never stop learning.”